JDS

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Many deaths reported in Sri Lanka Prison protest

Posted by JDS

Colombo Page
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A protest by a group of prisoners staged on the roof top of the Anuradhapura Prison has ended today in a shoot out that resulted in at least one death and injuries to more than 20 prisoners and prison officials.

The Anuradhapura police said one person has died and 21 others were injured when a clash broke out between protesting prisoners and prison officials at the Anuradhapura prison this evening. The injured have been rushed to the local hospital.

The State-run radio SLBC said 8 of the injured are prison officials.

However, a BBC report citing an inmate who wished to be anonymous said at least four people were killed.

"Four people were shot dead in front of me. Many others are injured in the shooting," BBC quoted the inmate.

The prisoners have also set fire to several prison cells during the incident, SLBC reported.

However, the fire and ambulance unit of Anuradhapura has been able to completely control the fire.

Local media citing the Anuradhapura Hospital Director said that some of the injured have been assaulted.

Earlier today a group of about 20 prisoners have commenced a protest fast on the roof of the Anuradhapura prison against several court decisions that have been issued with regard to their bail applications.

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